Rail trail would be 'extremely valuable' economic boost

FUNDING for a rail trail from Casino to the Queensland border is poised to reinvigorate Northern Rivers tourism, the State Government has said.

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green welcomed today's announcement of funding for a rail trail in Murwillumbah.

He said the rail trail would bring an extremely valuable economic boost to the region, as well as major health and social benefits.

"With the incredible beauty of the land along the disused Murwillumbah to Casino rail corridor and the many attractions the rail trail will link, we're confident this will be one of the most successful rail trails," Mr Green said.

"The experiences of similar rails trails throughout Australia and overseas clearly demonstrate how popular they are in bringing tourism, job creation and long-term financial boosts to the towns and villages along their routes."

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said growing tourism in rural and regional NSW was a top priority for the government.

"The NSW Government has invested record funding to turbocharge rural and regional tourism and drive visitation beyond the fringes of Sydney to places like the North Coast," Mr Barilaro said.

"The positive flow-on effects from this tourism asset would be felt right across our regions with more heads on beds, and more tourist dollars ending up in the pockets of local businesspeople."

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the community's crowd funding efforts for rail trails have been astonishing.

"There has certainly been a tangible and measurable statement of support for the rail trail from the community, there's no denying that fact," Mr Provest said.

"The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has enormous potential to enhance the local tourism industry, create jobs and grow the regional economy.

"I look forward to moving this project forward and completing further community and landholder consultation so this project can progress and deliver a fantastic new tourism asset to the North Coast of NSW."